Where do you start when clipping a horse?

When to clip a horse’s mane?

When to Clip Karen Brain, an experienced horsewoman and coach, and an accomplished clipper, advises that typically, the first clip of the season is done in late September or early October because the horse’s coat starts to prepare for winter in mid to late August.

Where should you clip your horse’s clips?

Shoulder:A good place to begin clipping is on the horse’s shoulder at the base of the neck as it’s the safest place to be if the horse reacts violently, kicking with his hind legs or lashing out with his teeth.

When should I use a full clip on my horse?

The full clip should only be used for horses in hard competition work and with no turnout throughout the winter months. Hunter Clip – the majority of the coat is removed except for the saddle area and the legs. The hunter clip provides protection from the saddle and leaving the hair on the legs provides warmth and protection.

Should you clip your horse’s body?

Not only can clipping be useful, it can also lead to a career or supplemental income. Check out the Michigan 4-H Horse Program’s Facebook page for an interview with Gabrielle Dingell, professional body clipper and co-author of this article.

What are the different types of horse clipping?

08:33 Horse clipping, Part 1 Wayne Garrick takes us progressively through the range of clips from a basic bib clip, to trace, blanket and hunter clips, providing a host of invaluable tips along the way.

Is it OK to clip a horse all year round?

If your horse is suffering from conditions such as Cushing’s or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (known as EMS) then clipping him all year round will help him to maintain a normal body temperature. You don’t need to give your horse a full clip, even a chaser or trace clip will allow him to cool enough.

Should I clip my horse’s hair for winter showing?

For horses showing in the winter, having this growth is not always an option and they need to have their body clipped. And if your horse’s hair is clipped, you may need to start blanketing them earlier and also use heavier weighted blankets than a horse without a clipped coat.

When should you clip your horse’s body clips?

Because of this, body clipping is typically done between the months of September and October after the horse has fully grown their winter coat. Some owners with horses living in cold climates may choose to clip earlier, since bathing before clipping will not be possible once September hits.

Can heavy body Clippers cause tendonitis in horses?

Boyd-Miller has been making a living clipping horses full-time for over 20 years from her home base of Loxahatchee, Florida, and after 10 years of clipping four to five horses a day with heavy body clippers, began to suffer from tendonitis. She stresses that lighter body clippers can make all the difference for the person doing the clipping.

Can you cut patterns with your horse’s Clippers?

As you become more experience with clipping your horse may want to try your hand at something a little more artistic and fun. A trend has recently begun for people cutting patterns with the clippers in their horse’s coats.

How often should you clip your horse’s coat?

Some competition horses are clipped all year round to keep them cool, minimise sweating and keep them looking neat and tidy. As the coat tends to grow very quickly between September and December you may need to clip every 3 to 4 weeks. For most people find two to three clips per winter is ample.

Is clipping a horse good for winter riding?

Clipping is beneficial to the horse that will be worked throughout the winter because it allows body heat to escape, which prevents the horse from becoming too sweaty. If not properly cooled down after a ride, the horse can become chilled as the sweat cools and the long coat remains damp.

Should clipping be allowed on Horse&Hound?

Horse & Hound is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Clipping – and particularly the timing of the final clip of the season – is a subject which always generates a healthy debate.

Should I clip my horse in the winter?

This is only suitable for horses in hard completion work and that aren’t turned out at all during the winter months because this clip leaves the horse with no natural protection at all. Like the full clip, the hunter clip should only be considered if your horse isn’t turned out during the winter.

Why do you cut a horse’s hair in the winter?

Some horse owners elect to keep normally hairy winter coats clipped to allow the horse to dry quickly after being ridden or exercised. Keeping the hair clipped makes the horse less susceptible to becoming chilled and possibly ill, and makes grooming easier and more effective. The condition of the horse’s coat sometimes indicates glandular problems.

Can You tranquilize a horse for Clippers?

If the horse is particularly high strung or nervous about clippers, for the safety of both the horse and the person doing the clipping, tranquilizing the horse is an acceptable way to help him accept the clippers. However, Boyd-Miller is adamant that a veterinarian administer the tranquilizer.

What causes tendons to tear in horses?

The different types of tendon injuries Injury to these tendons commonly occurs during exercise. Strenuous exercise can result in tearing of fibres especially in unfit horses. Even fit horses which are over stretching tendons in fast work or on unlevel ground or during jumping at speed can damage these structures.

Do you have to dread clipping your horse?

But you don’t have to dread clipping your horse. If you know how to use the clippers correctly and keep the horse calm and relaxed throughout the experience, you can end up with a horse that looks like he’s been to the groomers, rather than just having survived a fight with a lawnmower. Why Clip?

Why should I clip my horse’s mane?

Horse clipping will prevent your horse from catching a chill and it will also cut down on grooming time. Clipping is also a great way to encourage their coat to grow back nicer and glossier for summer.

When to clip a horse’s coat?

Deciding When to Clip Your Horse and How. Horse Clipping; not every horse needs clipping in winter, but under certain circumstances you may want to consider removing part, or all, of his coat. The usual time to begin is from September to October.